If you love the magic of astronomy, a special event is coming this November. This spectacular event, known as the Leonids meteor, has been witnessed once by several generations, and now, it is our turn to share in its glory. At this year’s event, the skies of North America are already gathering to welcome this cosmic masterpiece. Read this article to find out more.
Get ready to witness a magical cosmic event
Once in a while, the universe takes the liberty to whisper when most are unaware. It is at times like this that astronomers sacrifice sleep and leisure to meet her call. Now, although this is a product of science, astronomers have described it as an act of cosmic theater. One that was once missed cannot be relived.
Now you wonder, whatever is this once-in-a-lifetime event nobody should miss? This is the recurring shower of the famous Leonids meteor. This meteor has been witnessed across the world and would be clear-sky visible to us in North America before dawn, on November 17 to 18.
It is because of this event that millions of stargazers are planning to gather across North America. Coming this November, prepare to see many curious waiting behind their backyards, balconies, and rooftops. But what is the Leonid meteor, and why should we anticipate it?
Astronomers explain the magic behind the Leonids meteor
The Leonids meteor shower is known for its famous rain of cosmic darts. These fast and needle-like showers tear across the sky, and sometimes, they leave glowing trails behind them. According to previous data, these cosmic darts can travel as fast as 44 miles per second. To put that in perspective, imagine traveling the length of a football pitch in 0.003 seconds.
This meteor originates from a parent comet called Tempel-Tuttle. This comet was discovered in France by William Tempel of Marseille Observatory in December 1865 and Horace Tuttle of Harvard College Observatory in 1866. According to astronomers, the comet orbits the sun and emits a shower of debris every 33 years, just like this unbelievable celestial parade in America.
Parts of this debris are tiny grains of sand that intercept our atmosphere. Here is where we get the Leonid meteor. On average, astronomers record a train of 10 to 15 meteors per hour, but at its peak, it could increase. The most thrilling part about these cosmic darts is the visible flashes across the sky.
Experts do not predict the Leonids meteor to have a storm
Sometimes when meteors orbit through Earth, they come as a storm. Now, according to Astronomers, for a meteor to materialize into a storm, it would need more than 1,000 meteors per second. So far from Leonids1863, 1866, 1899, and 1999, there have been no cosmic storms, and it should not be expected this coming November.
What to watch out for in anticipation of the Leonids meteor shower
There are many incredible experiences in our universe, and this one is a must-see. If this is your first time watching out for the Leonids meteor, you are in for an absolute treat. However, while you’re planning solo or with loved ones, there are certain things you should watch for or know about this event.
The only and most important thing to know is that the Leonids can be seen with the naked eye. You do not need any fancy or complex telescope to admire its grandeur. So while you gather around North America, you should have your concern be only with catching this fleet of cosmic darts. But remember, the Leonids meteor shower will only be visible right before dawn, from November 17 to 18. All you need to do is sit, relax, and enjoy these cosmic darts as they tear across our stratosphere, just like this beautiful Aurora warning across ten states.